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Kovalan, the son of a wealthy merchant, Machattuvan, married Kannagi, the lovely daughter of another merchant, Manayakan. At the time of his marriage, he was sixteen years old. They lived together happily in the city of Kaveripattinam, until Kovalan met the courtesan Madhavi and fell in love with her. In his infatuation, he completely forgot his wife and spent his time with Mathavi. Meanwhile, Kovalan spent all his wealth, bestowed upon by his parents, on his new lover. During the annual festival in the honour of Indra, there was a misunderstanding between the young lovers. As a result, Kovilan returned to his chaste wife, Kannagi, who welcomed him whole-heartedly, despite him being penniless. Realising his mistake, he decided to start a new life by migrating to the Madura(Madurai) city along with his wife.

Maduraikkandam

Kovalan along with his wife Kannagi, started their journey towards Madura city at the stroke of first light. A Buddhist nun also accompanied them in the journey. After walking for many days, they reached the city of Madura. In the middle of the journey, Kovalan has send word to his parents about his intentions of starting a new life in a new city. Upon arrival, impressed by the grandeur of Madurai city, Kovalan set out to sell one of Kannagi's anklets (Tamil: Silambu), the only left-over asset they owned, with which he intended to start the business. Kovalan entrusted the anklet to be sold to the Palace's Chief jeweller, who promises to fetch him good money from the king. The king, who is tricked by the Chief Jeweller, orders to behead Kovalan without a trial, on account of stealing the Queen's anklet. Thereby, Kovalan dies in the city of Madurai.